What are some of the tools and resources that you use for media relations research?

To gather relevant and quality media relation database in your research, a thorough and updated list from different relevant sources is needed. That helps to identify the coverage range, engagements and target audience of the media outlets. Cision is one popular database platform if the resource is pocket-friendly for you.

A lesser known tool that is a great supplement to Cision or Muckrack since it is far more focused, is TechNews.io (formerly known as IT Database). Our team at Si14 Global Communicaions been using it for many years and it provides highly focused results. As its name indicates, it is focused on tech. In addition, I recommend avoiding an overeliance on any tool. There are no shortcuts. For effective public relations, you need to do the hard work...research, research, research.

Media Database -is an important mix for both:the product manufacturing companies & users of products exposed to medias in particular. It is this jugalbandhi that helps both sides grow vertically & horizontally,is witnessed by at least personally. meeta sanghvi..

Keep in mind that most listings in media databases are only updated when users submit updates. With so much turnover, closings and mergers, listings can easily be out of date. Try cross referencing a media database listing with the list of contacts from the media outlet's website.

Creating or using a good database is the first step toward ensuring that your news, messages and activities reached the right people. Sending news to media members haphazardly would lead your emails to be the spam folder. You should have categories in your data base where you group journalists by their specialization. So you have a category for those who write in a specific field like entrepreneurship for example, another for banks, and a third for technology and so on. Grouping them all in one section and send them all sorts of news will make you definitely lose them. We tried the companies that provide data bases and it was complete failure. We always had wrong people covering the wrong beats. It ended up creating our own.

Even though we are in a dominating digital age, it's worth while to continue to use print media as well. Some of the online tools (like Brand24) doesn't monitor traditional media and you could potentially miss some brand mentions in those channels).

Media monitoring is a great tool for media relations since it enables real-time tracking of an organisation's or brand's media coverage across multiple channels. It assists in comprehending public perception, identifying sentiment, and measuring the effectiveness of communication strategies. By analyzing trends, mentions, share of voice, and the overall media landscape, organisations can make informed decisions, tailor their messaging, and proactively manage their reputation. Additionally, media monitoring provides valuable insights into competitor activities and industry developments.

It is many things: print media, good old-fashioned reading and noting anything that is relevant to clients, mentions and articles. Online, use all search tools, not just one browser, as they pick up different things; also, think about location settings and have them on and off. As well as those mentioned Talkwalker is good.

Media monitoring is like having Sebastian from "The Little Mermaid" keeping an eye on the ocean. Just as Sebastian listens for news under the sea, media monitoring keeps tabs on news and mentions across various platforms. It's like staying attuned to the rhythm of your brand's presence. Imagine tools like Google Alerts as your underwater companions, notifying you when your brand makes a splash online. So, media monitoring is like having a vigilant friend, ensuring you know every wave in your brand's ocean of coverage.

Besides traditional media that most people are familiar with monitoring the articles from media outlets, Isentia is one of the useful tools to keep you on track with important updates from mainstream media outlets. Let’s say if you would like to track the pending coverage for your client, which is on print media: It will help to track the print coverage as well as ads value. While tracking important news from media outlets, I’ll set up keywords to track the news daily. Some tips to help: 11am is the best time to start tracking the fresh news daily.

Having tried numerous databases and media tools over the years, unfortunately nothing has been perfect so you really do need to supplement any outsourced info like this with your own research. They often have outdated or missing info about a journalist’s title or beat, which you can find out quickly by looking up their name on Twitter or searching the website of the outlet they write for to check what’s been published recently on their byline. No matter how carefully a pitch or release is written, it’s useless if it goes to the wrong person because a media database isn’t accurate!

Media analysis is akin to Lumière from "Beauty and the Beast" examining the details of every enchanted object in the castle. Just as Lumière studies the intricacies of each item, media analysis delves into the nuances of media coverage. It's like illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of your brand's presence. Picture tools like Meltwater as Lumière's candle flames, shedding light on sentiment, reach, and trends. Thus, media analysis is your friendly Lumière, helping you understand the brilliance and shadows in the grand tapestry of your brand's media landscape.

You need to ensure you know where is likely to be interested in your client's story and who at the outlet is the most relevant person/s. If in doubt, contact them and ask - journalists want to get relevant stories, so it's a win-win. Next, think about the best and worst days and times to contact them. When is their deadline? When do they have news conferences? If in doubt, email. If you have to call, first thing is to ask 'Is this a good moment?' Most of all, never get they're helping you and your client - unless money is involved in securing coverage (e.g. an advertorial), they're doing YOu a favour. Please and thank you still play an important role - they're under pressure with low job security. Show you appreciate their help.

Media relations best practices are like the fundamental rules Simba learns from Rafiki in "The Lion King." Just as Rafiki imparts wisdom for navigating the Circle of Life, follow these principles to master your media jungle. It's like understanding the balance and harmony in your interactions. Be authentic like Simba finding his roar, tailor your message like Rafiki tailoring his drawings, and adapt to changes in the wind like Rafiki's wise guidance. By embracing these practices, your media strategy becomes as foundational and influential as Simba's journey toward becoming the rightful king of the Pride Lands.

Media relations resources are like the helpful friends in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." As the dwarfs assist Snow White on her journey, these resources support your media relations efforts. Imagine resources such as Cision or HARO as your trusty companions, providing insights, connections, and opportunities. It's like having a team of experts ready to aid you in navigating the media landscape. So, consider these resources as your loyal dwarfs, assisting you in building positive relationships and fostering effective media interactions.

For the Film Industry Press Release Distribution Services like PR Newswire, Business Wire, or GlobeNewswire allow you to distribute press releases to a wide network of journalists, media outlets, and industry professionals. These services increase the visibility of film-related news. Trade publications, such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, or Screen International, cover film industry news, box office performance, industry trends, and interviews with key industry figures. These sources are used to stay informed about the latest developments and identify potential media opportunities. Audience Analytics Tools like Nielsen, Comscore, or Box Office Mojo provide audience demographics, box office data, and film performance metrics.

There are a lot of great tools and resources to help you create a list of potentially relevant journalists for a pitch, but remember that it's also important to dive in and do your own reading. Don't just assume that the search results from a media database would all be a good fit for your pitch—take the time to read some of the coverage from each reporter, look at their social media, etc., to make sure your pitch idea really is relevant.

I would also look at Twitter and LinkedIn. Journalists are active on both of these platforms. Not only is this is a great place for you to make sure you have their current work information, but you can see what they are posting about, and they often post story source queries here as well. It is also a good place to find other like minded reporters, as both platforms tend to recommend or suggest other similar reporters or journalists.

I like to use Google Trends to see what are the main keywords being used. It has a comparison tool which is totally fascinating.